Annual math contest at Central Oregon Community College to draw 150 students

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon Community College will host its annual High School Math Contest on Thursday, April 16, at the Bend campus. This year's event, themed "Math to the Future," will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The competition was first held in 1978 and attracts more than 150 students from 13 schools across the region. Participants will travel from communities including Paisley, Mitchell and Sisters to compete in various challenges across the campus.

The theme pays homage to the 1985 film "Back to the Future" and its time-travel calculations. Math professors will dress in costume as characters like "Doc" Brown and Marty McFly and an original gull-wing DeLorean will be parked on campus for team photo opportunities.

The long-running competition includes various activities such as a relay race, a scavenger hunt and a game styled after "Name That Tune." Students will compete for awards and prizes throughout the afternoon.

Jacquie Coe, department chair and associate math professor, said the event is designed to be engaging for students. "It's a day of nonstop fun and games, with a celebration of math at the core," Coe said. "Our department loves to share how wonderful math can be, helping inspire high schoolers for future math exploration."

The event is sponsored by Lonza Pharma and Biotech. While the competition is open to students across the region, all participants must be preregistered to attend. Interested parties can contact Cinda DeVoe at 541-383-7289 or cdevoe4@cocc.edu for more information.

Central Oregon Community College provides resources for attendees with disabilities. Those requiring transportation or accommodations for physical or mobility disabilities can reach campus services at 541-383-7775. Individuals needing assistance for hearing impairments or other disabilities may contact student accessibility services at 541-383-7583 or sas@cocc.edu.